Fall 2017 ArizMATYC Meeting at Chandler-Gilbert

Teaching Mathematics in 2017 and Beyond

Join mathematics faculty throughout the state of Arizona for the Fall 2017 Arizona Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges (ArizMATYC) Conference. The conference will be held on Friday, October 6 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler, Arizona.

This conference will include two keynote speakers, a panel discussion, and active discussions all focused on questions such as:

What do our students need to succeed in a 2017 world and beyond?

What role could/should technology play in learning mathematics?

How do we maintain a rigorous balance between conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, application/problem solving?

What strategies are most effective for student success in the mathematics classroom?

What mathematics should be taught and how should we teach it to meet the needs of our students and the academic/work culture they will face?

Plan to join your colleagues for active discussion about the teaching and learning of mathematics!

The major goal of the Fall 2017 ArizMATYC Conference is to gather mathematics faculty from around Arizona to have conversations about the craft of teaching mathematics. Consider the following quote by Keith Devlin of Stanford University and “the Math Guy” on NPR’s Weekend Edition:

Mathematical thinking is not the same as doing mathematics – at least not as mathematics is typically presented in our school system. School math typically focuses on learning procedures to solve highly stereotyped problems. Professional mathematicians think a certain way to solve real problems, problems that can arise from the everyday world, or from science, or from within mathematics itself. The key to success in school math is to learn to think inside-the-box. In contrast, a key feature of mathematical thinking is thinking outside-the-box – a valuable ability in today’s world.

The keynote speakers and panel members for this conference will help us to think about how we might encourage our students t0 develop mathematical thinking and to prepare students to successfully pursue their academic and career goals. After each keynote session, participants will engage in “Reflection and Action” activities that will serve to challenge us to think about how we might respond to the message. In addition, a panel of mathematics educators will lead a discussion about the challenges, issues, and research related to our classroom teaching.

Keynote speaker #1 is likely a familiar name for many ArizMATYC members. Dr. Ted Coe was an active member of the Maricopa mathematics faculty for many years before moving to his current position as the Director of Mathematics for Achieve, Inc. Ted is responsible for coordinating and supporting Achieve’s work to develop and lead an organizational vision, agenda, and lines of work around mathematics. He provides the mathematics content expertise across all of Achieve’s initiatives and he provides support to states on mathematics standards implementation and assessment support, including the development of tools and products for use by states and districts. Dr. Coe’s session promises to be thought provoking and challenging…in all the best ways!

Keynote speaker #2 is Dr. Francis Su, Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College. He is also past president of the Mathematical Association of America. His research is in geometric combinatorics and applications to the social sciences, and he has co-authored numerous papers with undergraduates. He has received multiple NSF research grants for his work. He also has a passion for teaching and popularizing mathematics. He authors the popular Math Fun Facts website and is creator of “MathFeed,” the math news app. His hobbies include songwriting, gardening, photography, and theology. Just like mathematics, these are modes of creative expression that divinely blend structure and freedom, truth and beauty, reflection and action. Dr. Su’s session will be engaging and intellectually stimulating!

Tentative Agenda

8:00 – 8:30 Registration

8:30 – 8:45 Welcome

Dr. William Guerriero – President, Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Dr. April Strom – President, ArizMATYC

8:45 – 9:30 Keynote Speaker

Mathematics Education: Issues and Trends Across the States

Dr. Ted Coe, Director of Mathematics, Achieve, Inc.

Abstract: Various stakeholders around the country are seeking to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics. This might involve the revision of standards or the development or adoption of high quality materials. It might occur through the rethinking of courses and pathways. In this presentation, we will discuss these issues and trends and will propose challenges that still need to be addressed. Bio/Photo: https://www.achieve.org/ted-coe

Reflections on Mathematics for Human Flourishing

Dr. Francis Su, MAA Past-President, Professor at Harvey Mudd College

Abstract: Why does the practice of mathematics often fall short of our ideals and hopes? How can the deeply human themes that drive us to do mathematics be channeled to build a more beautiful and just world in which all can truly flourish? I’ve been communicating this message—that the practices of mathematics helps people flourish—no matter what they choose to do with their lives or careers. I will explain why I believe this is an important message, and describe some of the reactions I’ve received. Bio/Photo: https://www.math.hmc.edu/~su/bio-photo/

Registration

Registration for the Fall 2017 ArizMATYC meeting is $20. You may register by filling out this form. After you register, there will be a link to pay using PayPal or you may opt to pay on the day of the conference. Registration for the conference includes a one year membership to ArizMATYC.

Please register by noon on Friday, September 29. We need to provide final numbers to our catering folks for both breakfast and lunch. Please help us to provide accurate numbers. While we plan to add 20% to the registration numbers as of noon on Friday, September 29, we cannot plan for a huge influx of registrations after that. We appreciate your understanding and help to not waste food but have enough food for all attendees!

Vendors

ArizMATYC welcomes vendors to attend the conference. Vendors may purchase tables at a rate of $100 for one table and $175 for two tables.

Details: The Fall 2017 ArizMATYC conference is being held at the Pecos Campus of Chandler-Gilbert Community College in the Agave Building. Park in Lot #2 (west side) or Lot #1 (East side) as shown in the map (red stars).

From west side of campus on Pecos Rd: turn left on Emmitt Dr. to enter campus. Parking lot #2 is first lot on the right just past the Coyote Center.From the east side of campus on Pecos Rd: turn right on Norman Way. Parking lot #1 is on the left but is only accessible if you drive north to the stop sign, turn left into Lot #3, and navigate your way to Lot #1. Then walk west past Bradshaw Hall, through the A/B Courtyard, to the Agave Building.From the north side of campus on Gilbert Rd: turn right on Fairview Street and follow the road around (only one way to go). Turn right between Lots #7 and #9. Follow road to the west until it turns south between Lots #8 and #10. Go south to Lot #2.From the south side of campus on Gilbert Rd: turn left on Fairview Street and follow the road around (only one way to go). Turn right between Lots #7 and #9. Follow road to the west until it turns south between Lots #8 and #10. Go south to Lot #2.